The Dakar Rally, synonymous with extreme adventure and skill in motorsports, has opened a new exciting chapter with the Dakar Classic. This event, which started in 2021, is not just a tribute to legendary vehicles and their drivers but also a window into the evolution and spirit of the rally.
In the Dakar Classic, vehicles that once wrote the history of the rally return to the sand. Models predating the year 2000, each with its own story and character, defy time and terrain. From robust 4x4s to trucks resembling desert tanks, the Dakar Classic is a parade of engineering and design from yesteryears.
Here, speed gives way to regularity and precision. Competitors must maintain a constant pace, facing the same challenges as the modern Dakar but with a different philosophy. Navigation, strategy, and an intimate knowledge of the vehicle are vital, making each stage a story of endurance, ingenuity, and passion.
In the 2024 Dakar Classic, 78 vehicles participated, representing a total of 170 competitors. This number reflects the growing popularity and appeal of this unique category within the legendary Rally. Among these categories are a variety of vehicles, from Porsches and Toyotas to more exclusive models like the Puch 280GE and the Mitsubishi Pajero, each tuned to their respective speed group and period. Participants come from diverse backgrounds, some with previous experience in the main Dakar Rally and others making their debut in the Dakar Classic.
The Dakar Classic traverses landscapes that are both dazzling and unforgiving. Competitors navigate sandy deserts, rugged mountains, and endless plains, where each kilometer is a reminder of the power of nature and human tenacity.
What makes the Dakar Classic special is its ability to connect generations. Rally veterans, motorsport enthusiasts, and new fans come together, creating a unique atmosphere where nostalgia meets the excitement of the present. It is an event that celebrates not only competition but also community and legacy.
Toby Price and Sam Sunderland will make the leap to cars on the Dakar 2025
The drivers will be looking for a new challenge in the car category after their success in motorcycles.
Mattias Ekström to compete with Ford in the Dakar 2025
Swedish driver joins Ford after leaving Audi
Audi and Mattias Ekström end partnership after 23 years
The Swedish driver bids farewell to Audi after a successful career in DTM, rallycross and Dakar.
Mitch Guthrie Jr. joins Ford for the 2025 Dakar
The Californian driver will make the leap to the Ultimate category, driving the Ford Raptor T1+ in the world's toughest rally.
